My Weight Loss Has Hit a Plateau. Now What?

Often in a weight loss journey, individuals will hit something called a plateau-that inevitable point when the pounds are not coming off as quickly as they had been or you've stopped losing weight entirely for a period of time. Many people can become frustrated by this and decide that "exercise just doesn107t work!" When dealing with plateaus, however, it is important to not only understand what changes are going on inside your body, but also the correct way to get out of a plateau.

When a plateau occurs, it means your body is no longer losing extra water weight. Instead, your body is converting all that stored energy into usable energy to fuel your workouts (ie, burning fat). One of the main reasons this won't show up on your scale is that you are simultaneously gaining muscle mass. Few people realize just how dense muscle mass is. In fact, muscle weighs seven times as much as fat mass that takes up the same amount of space! Instead of trusting the scale, use your clothes to determine your success instead. If your clothes are getting looser, you have more energy, and you notice you are becoming more tone in areas of your body, you are definitely on the right track.

Whatever you do when trying to get over a plateau, do NOT starve yourself! Skipping meals can actually be one of the worst things you can do on a weight loss journey. If your body thinks it isn't getting enough calories to fuel the work you do with your body, it will enter something called "starvation mode." Once in this mode, your body slows its metabolism down to hoard all extra calories just in case you're starving. In this instance, you are far more likely to gain weight.

The best way to get out of a plateau is to change up your workout routine. Most plateaus will figure themselves out given time and dedication, but sometimes your body has adapted to your current level of fitness and is ready for a new challenge. If it's been a few months since you've changed your routine, it might be time to try something new. The RMH Wellness Center has many options that may be just what you need to break though your plateau. One of the services offered at the RMH Wellness Center is regular fitness assessments. In an assessment, you get to work with a certified fitness specialist one-on-one to find your current level of fitness.

Based on the results from that assessment, the fitness specialist will then create a brand new program for you and teach you how to do it! Group fitness classes are also a great way to shake up a workout routine, and also gain some extra motivation. Classes and assessments are included in your membership and are offered regularly at many convenient times. Another great service that is not included in your membership is personal training. In personal training, you work privately with a certified professional trainer to help you achieve your goals. Trainers will help you find the strength to push to the next level, as well as provide you with added motivation. Need some moral support to train? Try partner or group training where you can train with friends, and everyone saves some money!

Plateaus happen, but they don't have to stay. Get rid of your plateau by utilizing the resources available to you at the RMH Wellness Center. Best of luck, and don't give up!

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Yeah, hitting a plateau can be very frustrating and demotivating but it is a very natural cycle whether you are trying to lose weight or gain muscle. I calls for a switich up in your work out and can be very beneficial in the long run. Thanks for all the info!